Sacrificing attachment is the first step toward liberation. One must let go of the notion of “this is mine.” Any task can be performed either with attachment or with a sense of duty. If done with a sense of duty, it brings no trouble.
For instance, both a mother and a nanny care for a child. What differentiates them? The mother does it out of love, not for payment, whereas the nanny does it for a salary. When performed as a duty, there is no attachment. Krishna advises performing actions without any expectations. There is a subtle difference between these approaches, even if the tasks appear identical.
~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha
Gita Mandir, Udupi
Contact Number: 8055338811
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Internally, the perspectives differ. One must act with the awareness that “I am fulfilling my duty with the strength given by God.” Did we bring anything when we were born? Do we have control over anything even after birth?
This is why Madhvacharya emphasized the message, “Harireva Paraha…” (Hari is Supreme). Let us accept that nothing is ours. Even later in life, can we command everything to go as we wish? Nobody likes going bald or growing old, yet can we stop these from happening? They occur inevitably. If there is a “you” or “yours,” shouldn’t you have control over it?
This reflection highlights the significance of shedding ego and attachments for attaining liberation.
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